I've also tried to develop a varied routine (if that isn't an oxymoron) to my running, so instead of running somewhere between 3 and 5 miles each time, I have included an interval session and a long run each week. The long run has gone up from 5 to 10 miles. In fact this morning's early run was the first run longer than 10 miles, which I am very pleased about. I have also discovered that careful planning of the route so that at least two thirds is off-road makes the long run more interesting, more relaxing and a lot less painful on my joints.
To be honest, my favourite run is the interval session. Inspired by my training with South London Harriers many years ago, I do 10 minutes gentle warm-up, then alternate 1 minute of "fast" running with 2 minutes of slower recovery running, with a warm down of 5 to 10 minutes at the end. (Speed is, of course, relative. My "fast" running is slower that my slow running used to be, but what does that matter?) The changing pace makes things a lot more interesting, and also seems to slightly speed up my running during other sessions.
So highlights of today's run: unexpected pumpkin fields and ostriches, and laughing at a naughty greyhound giving its owner the run-around (literally). The low point: coming face to face suddenly with a rottweiler off its lead with no sign of its owner, if only for a few seconds. No damage done. :)
